Author Question: Which explanation for the prescription of donepezil (Aricept) would the nurse provide for a patient ... (Read 127 times)

xroflmao · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which explanation for the prescription of donepezil (Aricept) would the nurse provide for a patient in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease?

a. It will increase the metabolism of excess GABA.
b. Excess dopamine will be prevented from attaching to receptor sites.
c. Serotonin deficiency will be managed through a prolonged reuptake period.
d. The acetylcholine deficiency will be managed by inhibiting cholinesterase.

Question 2

At admission, the nurse learns that some time ago the patient had an infarct in the right cerebral cortex. During assessment, the nurse would expect to find that the patient:

a. Demonstrates major deficiencies in speech
b. Is unable to effectively hold a spoon in the left hand
c. Has difficulty explaining how to go about using the telephone
d. Cannot use his right hand to shave himself or comb his own hair

b614102004 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Decreased levels of acetylcholine are thought to produce many of the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The inhibiting action the drug has on cholinesterase will slow down the breakdown of acetylcholine and so delay the onset of symptoms. The other neurotrans-mitters (GABA, dopamine, and serotonin) are not currently believed to play a role in Alz-heimer's disease.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The cerebral hemispheres are responsible for functions such as control of muscles. The right hemisphere mainly controls the motor and sensory functions on the left side of the body. Damage to the right side would result in impaired function on the left side of the body. The motor cortex controls voluntary motor activity. Broca's area controls motor speech. Cognitive functions are attributed to the association cortex. The right side of the body's motor activity is controlled by the left cerebral cortex.